Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Barkbus special?

At Barkbus we believe that grooming should be about health, wellness, peace of mind and convenience for both you and your furry best friend. To that end, we started Barkbus in 2017 to end traumatic trips to the salon that far too often means your pup is in a cage for hours and stressed from all the other dogs, sights and smells. The Barkbus service is one-on-one the entire time, with no cages or other dogs around. Our state-of-the-art, next generation mobile grooming vans are fully self sufficient and engineered for stress-free grooming!

What is included in the Barkbus Signature service?

Our Signature Service includes all of the following at no extra cost: Warm filtered hydro-jet water bath, All-Natural Shampoos, Conditioners and Face Wash, Hand Blow Dry, Gentle Brush out, Ear Cleaning, Nail Trimming and Filing, Teeth Brushing, and Anal Gland Expression, if needed. Full body and partial haircuts are not included in this service. For the full suite of services and pricing, feel free to check our online booking portal or give our Concierge team a shout to talk specifics for your pup!

How much does Barkbus cost?

Barkbus is competitively priced with all 5-star rated dog grooming services. Price varies based on the size, breed, coat condition and service you select. Depending on what you are looking for, our services typically range from $120-$350+. Feel free to check out our online booking portal or give our concierge team a call to find out your pup’s exact cost as well as any special promotions we may be offering.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Whether you are looking to book your 1st appointment or 100th, you can now book the date and time that works best for you directly from your phone or web browser online. Prefer talking on the phone? Not to worry, as our in-house Concierge team is here to handle anything you may need. If you are looking to book an appointment or talk pup health and wellness tips, we have you covered! Feel free to call or text us at (800) 742-9255.

How much experience do Barkbus Pet Stylists have?

All Barkbus Pet Stylists have years of experience in complex grooming, dog safety, and breed-specific haircuts so we can ensure your furbabies will feel right at home with us. Barkbus also ensures that all of our Pet Stylists become canine CPR & First-Aide certified with the International Pet Groomers Association training standards. We are a team of professional, compassionate dog lovers and would love to earn your trust.

How long does a typical groom take?

Safety is and will always be our number one priority, so we always take our time and never rush a pup’s groom. Our Signature service is far less stressful than traditional salon grooming, so our service takes a fraction of the time. You can expect each appointment to take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours depending on dog breed and size, but please note that since we never rush, it may take more time. The great news is that we are right out front if you ever want to check up on your pup!

My dog has sensitive skin, do you have a shampoo for that?

Yes! Each vehicle carries an array of specialty products such as a gentle oatmeal sensitive skin shampoo, a de-shed conditioner and a blueberry face wash that are included in each service. Just talk with your professional Pet Stylist about what is best for your pup!

Will you service my elderly/disabled dog?

We are able to service most elderly & disabled dogs with a few exceptions. Our Pet Stylists are one-on-one with your dog in the van and do not have assistants or helpers. Some elderly dogs may have trouble standing on their own for extended lengths of time. In these cases we recommend a groomer who has an assistant, or a veterinarian who can offer sedated grooming services. We also recommend veterinarian assisted grooming for any dog with a history of seizures.

In the best interest and well being of your dog, we will not start any services that we don't feel confident we can safely complete, or that we feel may put too much stress on your dog.

If we are grooming a dog and we believe the service has become too stressful, or any other safety warning present themselves, we will stop the service immediately.

Do you need to plug into my house for water and power?

Absolutely not! Our state-of-the-art, next generation mobile grooming vans are fully self sufficient and engineered for grooming, so we never need to plug into your house for water or power. We have everything we need to pamper your pup and will never leave a drop after the service!

Does Barkbus service my area?

Barkbus proudly serves Southern California including the greater Los Angeles, Orange County & San Diego areas. As of April 2023, we also proudly serve Dallas, Texas! Barkbus comes to you in north LA whether you are in Malibu, Sherman Oaks, Simi Valley, or Agoura Hills. We joyfully drive down the beach or into the hills from Marina Del Rey to Hollywood and beyond.

In Orange County, you can see the Barkbus vans throughout from Huntington Beach to Yorba Linda down through Irvine, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, San Clemente and everywhere in between. If you find yourself in San Diego, no matter if you are in La Jolla or Rancho Santa Fe, a Barkbus will come to your door. Feel free to check out our "Locations" tab for a more detailed look at the neighborhoods we frequent.

Don’t see your neighborhood? Drop us a line as we are rapidly expanding and always adding new neighborhoods to our service area!

Do you groom on the weekends?

Our goal is to bring convenience to your doorstep whenever you need it most, so we groom every day of the week!

What policies and fees may apply to my appointment?

At Barkbus, our mission is to provide luxury doorstep grooming for all our fur-families. To keep our service running smoothly, here are a few friendly reminders:

‍Cancellation Policy: We understand that life happens! Please cancel or reschedule appointments at least 24 hours in advance. Appointments canceled or rescheduled within 24 hours may incur additional fees.

‍Matted or Compacted Coats: Regular professional grooming and at-home care are essential for your pet’s health. Severely matted or compacted coats will incur an additional $100 fee.

‍Timely Pick-Up & Drop-Off: We love bringing the convenience of grooming to your doorstep. Please be ready to hand over and pick up your pet when notified. There is a 15-minute grace period for drop-off and pick-up. Excessive wait times beyond this grace period may incur a $1 per minute fee.

‍Service Refusal: Not all pups are suited for our one-on-one service, and safety is our priority. Please review our safety policy before booking. Pets that do not meet our safety criteria may be refused service, which could result in a fee of up to 100% of the estimated appointment total.

Thank you for helping us provide the best care for your pets!